Cover for electrical switch

ABSTRACT

A cover for an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switch includes a yoke and a switch handle. In a first embodiment, which is particularly well suited for rocker-type switches, the cover comprises a handle cover sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit over the switch handle. The handle cover has rotation points disposed parallel to an axis and including two planar surfaces, each of the planar surfaces being parallel to and passing through the axis. The cover also comprises a cover plate having a switch handle aperture for receiving the handle cover. The cover plate includes contact points for receiving the rotation points in movable relation. In an alternative embodiment, which is well suited for toggle switch applications, a cover is provided for an electrical switch, wherein the cover comprises a handle cover assembly including a handle cover member sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit over the switch handle and a face member in which the handle cover member is slidably disposed. The handle cover member includes a handle cover which forms a cavity for receiving the switch handle. The cover further includes a cover plate having a handle cover aperture for receiving the handle cover assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electrical switches forswitching electrical appliances such as lights, fans, etc. on and offand, more specifically, to covers for electrical switches.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electrical switches such has those used in residential and commercialbuildings to turn on and off lights, fans, etc. have been used for yearsand have undergone relative few design changes. Although various designshave been used in the past, two of such designs, i.e., the toggle switchand the rocker switch, are the most common.

In a standard toggle switch design, the switch includes a switch handleor toggle (i.e., an actuator) physically connected to a switchingmechanism. The switch handle and switching mechanism are mounted to ayoke or backing plate. The switch handle and correspondingly theswitching mechanism have two positions, i.e., an “on” position and an“off” position. When the handle is placed in or moved to the “on”position, contacts within the switching mechanism close to pass currentand thereby cause the appliance to actuate. When the handle is toggledor moved to the “off” position, the contacts associated with the “on”position are opened, thereby turning off the appliance.

A rocker switch differs from a toggle switch primarily in the size andshape of the switch handle, and its path of movement. Whereas the switchhandle of a toggle switch generally is thin and rectangular, typicallymeasuring about 0.5 inches on a side and less than one inch long, arocker switch typically includes two flat planes which join at a centeror axial line. The planes typically are about one inch wide (along theaxis), and each plane generally is about 1 to 1.25 inches long(perpendicular to the axis). The rocker portion of the switch thus istypically about 1 inch wide by about 2 to 2.5 inches long. The rocker ismovably housed in a rectangular housing which generally comprises partof the backing plate or yoke.

Both toggle switches and rocker switches have been limited in someapplications and for some users in that the size of the toggle or therocker portion of the switch is too small. They also do not stand outfar from the wall, which in some instances is disadvantageous. Moreover,in some instances the toggle or the rocker switch portion become marred,damaged, stained, or the like. Similarly, it may be desirable to changethe color or appearance of the toggle or rocker switch portion, perhapsthroughout a home or building. This can be relatively burdensome in thatthe individual electrical switches typically would have to be purchased,the old switches removed, including electrical disconnection, and thenew ones installed. This can be time consuming and expensive.

3. Objects of the Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a coverfor an electrical switch that can effectively cover up an existingelectrical switch, and can enlarge the size of the switch handle, e.g.,the toggle or rocker portion of the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover for an electricalswitch that affords a cost-effective means to change the appearance ofan existing electrical switch.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appendedclaims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purposes ofthe invention as embodied and broadly described in this document, acover is provided for an electrical switch. The electrical switchcomprises a yoke and a switch handle. The cover comprises a handle coversized and shaped to substantially conform to, and fit over, the switchhandle. The handle cover has rotation points disposed parallel to anaxis and includes two planar surfaces, wherein each of the planarsurfaces is parallel to and passes through the axis. The planar surfacespreferably lie in different planes. The cover plate according to thisaspect of the invention has a switch handle aperture for receiving thehandle cover. The cover plate includes contact points for receiving therotation points in movable relation. Preferably, the rotation pointscomprise axles, and the contact points comprise bearings or axlebearings for rotatably receiving the axles.

The cover plate preferably includes a front surface that extendsoutwardly from the electrical switch. In some embodiments, the frontsurface includes at least one mounting aperture. Preferably the frontsurface is free of apertures other than the handle cover aperture andthe at least one mounting aperture. In the presently preferredembodiments, the front surface of the cover plate in areas other thanthe handle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture iscontinuous and has uniform topography, and the cover plate is a single,solid component except for the blade apertures and the at least onemounting aperture.

According to an option for the invention, the handle cover includes apair of longitudinal ends, the cover plate includes a back surface, andthe back surface includes at least one guide for contacting one of thelongitudinal ends to guide the handle cover during movement.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cover for anelectrical switch is provided. The cover comprises a handle coverassembly including a handle cover member sized and shaped tosubstantially conform to and fit over the switch handle and a facemember in which the handle cover member is slidably disposed. The handlecover member includes a handle cover that forms a cavity for receivingthe switch handle. The electrical switch cover according to thisembodiment also includes a cover plate having a handle cover aperturefor receiving the handle cover assembly.

In a preferred embodiment according to this aspect of the invention, thehandle cover member includes a slide plate fixedly coupled to the handlecover. The face member preferably has a substantially rectangular facearea, and may include at least one post for aligning the cover with theelectrical switch. In some embodiments, the face member may include ayoke extension or, preferably, two such yoke extensions.

The cover plate includes a front surface which extends outwardly fromthe electrical switch. Preferably the front surface includes at leastone mounting aperture, and the front surface is free of apertures otherthan the handle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture.Again, preferably, the front surface of the cover plate in areas otherthan the handle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture iscontinuous and has uniform topography, and the cover plate is a single,solid component except for the blade apertures and the at least onemounting aperture.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cover is providedfor an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switch includes a yokeand a switch handle. The cover comprises a handle cover sized and shapedto substantially conform to and fit over the switch handle. The handlecover includes a handle cover cavity for receiving the switch handle.The handle cover also preferably includes a slide plate fixedly coupledto the handle cover.

The cover also includes a cover plate having a handle cover aperture forslidably receiving the handle cover. Preferably but optionally, thecover plate includes a front surface that extends outwardly from theelectrical switch, the front surface includes at least one mountingaperture, and the front surface is free of apertures other than thehandle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture. In someembodiments, the front surface of the cover plate in areas other thanthe handle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture iscontinuous and has uniform topography. Preferably the cover plate is asingle, solid component except for the handle cover aperture and the atleast one mounting aperture.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a cover isprovided for an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switchincludes a yoke and a switch handle. The cover according to this aspectof the invention comprises a handle cover sized and shaped tosubstantially conform to and fit over the switch handle. The handlecover includes a handle cover cavity for receiving the switch handle.The cover also includes a cover plate having a handle cover aperture forslidably receiving the handle cover.

Preferably, the handle cover includes a slide plate fixedly coupled tothe handle cover. Also preferably, the cover plate includes a frontsurface that extends outwardly from the electrical switch, the frontsurface includes at least one mounting aperture, and the front surfaceis free of apertures other than the handle cover aperture and the atleast one mounting aperture. In the presently preferred embodiments, thefront surface of the cover plate in areas other than the handle coveraperture and the at least one mounting aperture is continuous and hasuniform topography, and the cover plate is a single, solid componentexcept for the handle cover aperture and the at least one mountingaperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an expanded or exploded perspective view of an electricalswitch cover according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,which involves a rocker switch type design;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the electrical switch cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the yoke to which the electricalswitch cover of FIG. 1 is applied;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the yoke of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the yoke of FIG. 3, wherein the switchhandle is in a first or “on” position;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the yoke of FIG. 3 as shown in FIG. 5, butwherein the switch handle is in a second or “off” position;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein the switchhandle cover is in the first or “on” position;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 7, butwherein the switch handle cover is in the second or “off” position;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the switch handle cover plate for theswitch cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the switch handle cover of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a back perspective view of the switch handle cover of FIG.9;

FIG. 12 shows a back view of the switch handle cover shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the switch handle cover shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 shows an end view of the switch handle cover plate shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the cover plate of the switch covershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows a front view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a back or rear perspective view of the cover plate of FIG.15;

FIG. 18 shows a back view of the cover plate of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the cover plate of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 shows a side cutaway view of the cover plate of FIG. 15, takenalong line 20—20 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 shows an end view of the cover plate of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 shows a cutaway view of the cover plate of FIG. 15, taken alongline 22—22 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 shows an expanded or exploded perspective view of an electricalswitch cover according to a second preferred embodiment of theinvention, which involves an electrical switch cover for a toggle-typeelectrical switch;

FIG. 24 shows a front view of the electrical switch cover of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 shows a front perspective view of the handle cover assembly ofthe electrical switch cover shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 shows a front view of the handle cover assembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 shows a back or rear perspective view of the handle coverassembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 shows a rear view of the handle cover assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 shows a side view of the handle cover assembly shown in FIG. 25,wherein the switch handle cover is in a first or “on” position;

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the handle cover assembly shown in FIG. 25as shown in FIG. 29, but wherein the switch handle cover is in a secondor “off” position;

FIG. 31 shows a side cutaway view of the switch handle cover assembly ofFIG. 25, taken along line 31—31 shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 shows an end view of the handle cover assembly shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 33 shows an end cutaway view of the switch handle cover assembly ofFIG. 25, taken along line 33—33 as shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 34 shows a front perspective view of the cover plate of the switchcover shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 35 shows a front view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 shows a back or rear perspective view of the cover plate shownin FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 shows a back or rear view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 shows a side view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 shows a side cutaway view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34,taken along line 39—39 as shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 shows an end view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 41 shows an end cutaway view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 34,taken along line 41—41 as shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 shows a front perspective view of an electrical switch coveraccording to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, whichinvolves a cover for a toggle-type electrical switch;

FIG. 43 is an expanded or exploded front perspective view of the coverof FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 shows a front view of the cover of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 shows a back perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 shows a back view of the cover shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 47 shows a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 48 shows a side cutaway view of the cover of FIG. 42, taken alongline 48—48 in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 shows an end view of the cover of FIG. 42;

FIG. 50 shows an end cutaway view of the cover of FIG. 42, taken alongline 50—50 in FIG. 46;

FIG. 51 shows a front perspective view of the handle cover for the coverof FIG. 42;

FIG. 52 shows a front view of the handle cover of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 shows a rear perspective view of the cover handle of FIG. 51;

FIG. 54 shows a rear view of the cover handle of FIG. 51;

FIG. 55 shows a side view of the cover handle of FIG. 51;

FIG. 56 shows an end view of the cover handle of FIG. 51;

FIG. 57 shows a front perspective view of the cover plate for the coverof FIG. 42;

FIG. 58 shows a front view of the cover plate of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 shows a rear perspective view of the cover plate of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 shows a rear view of the cover plate of FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 shows a side view of the cover plate of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 shows a cutaway side view of the cover plate of FIG. 57, takenalong 62—62 of FIG. 60;

FIG. 63 shows an end view of the cover plate of FIG. 57;

FIG. 64 shows an end cutaway view of the cover plate of FIG. 57, takenalong lines 64—64 of FIG. 60;

FIG. 65 shows a front perspective view of a cover plate in accordancewith a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 66 shows a front view of the cover plate of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 shows a rear perspective view of the cover of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 shows a rear view of the cover plate of FIG. 65;

FIG. 69 shows a side view of the cover plate shown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 70 shows a side cutaway view of the cover plate of FIG. 65, takenalong lines 70—70 of FIG. 68;

FIG. 71 shows an end view of the cover plate of FIG. 65; and

FIG. 72 shows an end cutaway view of the cover plate of FIG. 65, takenalong lines 72—72 of FIG. 68.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate like orcorresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted,however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to thespecific details, representative devices, and illustrative examplesshown and described in this section in connection with the preferredembodiments.

In accordance with the invention, a cover is provided for an electricalswitch. The electrical switch includes a yoke and a switch handle. Forpurposes of this aspect of the invention, the preferred form ofelectrical switch is the so-called rocker switch design. In accordancewith this aspect of the invention, the electrical switch includes ahandle cover sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit overthe switch handle of the electrical switch. The handle cover hasrotation points disposed parallel to an axis. The switch also includestwo planar surfaces, and each of the planar surfaces is parallel to andpasses through the axis.

An electrical switch cover 10 according to a first preferred embodimentof the invention is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 through 22. FIG. 1 shows afront perspective view in expanded or exploded form.

Electrical switch cover 10 is adapted to be fitted to an electricalswitch 12 which includes a yoke 14 and a switch handle 16 of the rockertype. An example of a rocker-style electrical switch for which thisembodiment of the invention is well suited to cover is shown in FIG. 1,and separately in FIGS. 3-6. Rocker switch 12 as shown in these drawingfigures and as further described below is representative of the types ofrocker switches which the cover according to the first preferredembodiment is adapted to cover, but is merely illustrative of suchrocker switch designs. The details of its design are not necessarilyintended to be limiting as they relate to the invention.

Switch 12 with yoke 14 and switch handle 16 are shown are shownseparately in FIGS. 3-6. Yoke 14 includes a pair of mounting screw holes18 at each of its longitudinal ends for mounting switch 12 to a wall box(not shown), and a single mounting screw hole 20 at each such end formounting a cover plate to the switch.

Switch handle 16 includes two flat planar surfaces 16 a and 16 b whichjoin at a center or axial line A. The planes are about 1{fraction(1/16)} inches wide (along axis A). Each plane is about 1{fraction(3/16)} inches long along a longitudinal axis L, so that switch handle16 of switch 12 is about 1{fraction (1/16)} inches wide by about 2⅜inches long. Switch handle 16 is movably housed in a rectangular housing22 which generally comprises part of the backing plate or yoke 14.Switch handle 16 is biased so that it can alternately assume one of twopositions. In the first position, illustrated in FIG. 5, switch handle16 is depressed at the bottom (plane 16 b) and extends outwardly at thetop (plane 16 a). This corresponds to the “on” position for switch 12.In the second position, illustrated in FIG. 6, switch handle 16 isdepressed at the top (plane 16 a) and extends outwardly at the bottom(plane 16 b). This corresponds to the “off” position for the switch 12.

Typically such rocker switch would be covered by a cover plate (notshown), but such cover plate would be removed prior to covering theremainder of the switch with the cover assembly of this embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 1, cover 10 includes a switch handle cover 24 anda cover plate 26. FIG. 7 shows a side view of cover 10 with handle cover24 in a first or “on” position corresponding to the first or “on”position of switch 12 (FIG. 5). Similarly, FIG. 8 shows cover 10 withhandle cover 24 in a second or “off” position different from the firstposition, in this instance, corresponding to the second of “off”position of switch 12 (FIG. 6). Cover 10, i.e., the assembly of handlecover 24 and cover plate 26, is substantially the same size as orslightly larger than cover plates generally available in the commercialmarket place. Cover 10 according to this embodiment measures about 4.75inches long (along longitudinal axis L) by 3 inches wide (perpendicularto axis L along the plane of cover 10, corresponding to the drawingsheet in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 9 through 14 show various views of handle cover 24. FIG. 9 shows afront perspective view, FIG. 10 shows a front elevational view, FIG. 11shows a rear perspective view, FIG. 12 shows a rear elevational view,FIG. 13 shows a side view (right or left), and FIG. 14 shows a top orbottom view.

The handle cover is adapted to cover the handle of the switch. Thehandle cover preferably conforms, at least generally, to the shape ofthe underlying switch cover, although variations are possible and evenpreferred in some instances. Handle cover 24 according to thisembodiment has outside measurements of about 2⅞ inches in length byabout 1½ inches in width by about {fraction (5/16)} inches maximumdepth.

Handle cover 24 on its outer surface includes two planar surfaces 24 aand 24 b corresponding respectively to planar surfaces 16 a and 16 b ofswitch handle 16. An axial line A′ corresponding to axis A divides plane24 a from plane 24 b. Each plane 24 a and 24 b measures about 1⅜ incheslongitudinally by about 1{fraction (7/16)} inches in width. Planes 24 aand 24 b are not coplanar, but instead are angled with respect to oneanother at about the same angle as is encountered for planes 16 a and 16b of switch handle 16, which generally is between about 7 to 10 degrees.In the preferred embodiment, planes 24 a and 24 b are angled at about 8degrees with respect to one another.

Handle cover 24 includes a cavity 28 on its back side for receiving andgenerally mating with switch handle 16. Cavity 28 has internaldimensions of about 2{fraction (11/16)} inches by about 1{fraction(5/16)} inches. Cavity 28 has a maximum depth (at the longitudinal ends)of about ¼ inches, and a minimum depth (at axis A′) of about ⅛ inch.

Handle cover 24 is rotatably mounted to cover plate on the back side ofcover plate by suitable rotation points. Rotation points as the term isused herein refers to means for securing the handle cover to the coverplate so that the handle cover can move or rotate in general relationwith the movement of the underlying switch handle, which in thisembodiment involves a rotating movement. In this embodiment, therotation points comprise a pair of collinear axles 30, one on each sideof handle cover 24 at their midpoints. The cooperation of these axleswith cover plate 26 will be described below. This arrangement permitshandle cover 24 to rotate or toggle from the first or “on” position tothe second or “off” position and vice versa.

Cover plate 26, shown separately in FIGS. 15-22, includes asubstantially-rectangular aperture 32 into which handle cover 24 fits.Aperture 32 is slightly larger than the length and width dimensions ofhandle cover 24. When handle cover 24 is attached to cover plate 26 asshown in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the non-elevated one of planes 24 a and 24 bis substantially even with the adjoining portion of outer surface 26 aof cover plate 26 so that the non-elevated plane (24 a or 24 b) ataperture 32 forms a substantially smooth, uniform-textured surfaceincluding outer surface 26 a of cover plate 26 and the non-elevatedplane (24 a or 24 b). A small ridge 34 optionally may be provided at theperipheral edge of aperture 32, for example, to facilitate seating andguiding of the side portions of handle cover 24. Although there may be avisible seam between cover plate 26 and handle cover 24 at aperture 32,this seam is not pronounced. Cover plate 26 and the non-elevated plane(24 a or 24 b) of handle cover 24 according to this embodiment thus aremated to create a substantially smooth and substantially continuoussurface, with the exception of the seam at aperture and ridge 34, ifused.

Cover plate 26 may include mounting screw apertures 36, in addition toaperture 32. Mounting screw apertures 36 are positioned and sized toalign and cooperate with yoke mounting screw apertures 20. In accordancewith this preferred embodiment, however, other than mounting screwapertures 36 and the rectangular aperture 32 for handle cover 24, coverplate 26 is substantially continuous, and has uniform, preferably smoothor lightly-textured topography. A number of surface geometries arepossible for cover plate 26. The back surface 26 b of cover plate 26preferably is rounded or curved, so it can easily cover and house theouter portion of the electrical switch to be covered (not shown). Frontsurface 26 a preferably has a gently curved profile as well, althoughmany other designs and geometries may be suitable, depending upon theapplication. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, outer surface26 a of cover plate 26 preferably has rounded or curved profiles at theperipheral edges, and is otherwise free of any surface discontinuities,such as indentations, projections, and the like.

Cover plate 26 includes contact points for receiving the rotation pointsin movable relation. Contact points as the term is used herein refersgenerally to means which operate in conjunction with the rotation pointsto permit the desired movement of the handle cover in cooperation withthe switch handle. The rotation points and contacts points may comprise,for example, an axle and housing or bearing arrangement, a pin and seatarrangement, etc. In this preferred embodiment, the contact pointscomprise a pair of bearings 38 disposed on the longitudinal sides ofaperture 32 approximately at their midpoints. Each bearing 38 includes astanchion and a bearing surface, the latter of which receives the axle30 in rotatable relation.

Preferably, the back surface of the cover plate includes at least oneguide for contacting one of the longitudinal ends to guide the handlecover during movement. In this embodiment, a pair of stanchions 40 areprovided approximately at the center of the width dimension withinaperture 32, one at the top and one at the bottom, to serve as guidesfor the outer or longitudinal ends of handle cover 24.

Cover 10 may be installed on electrical switch 12 in the followingmanner. If there is a cover plate (not shown) originally on switch 12,it is removed in known manner. Handle cover 24 then is positioned intocover plate 26 so that axles 30 are positioned in bearings 38 and handlecover 24 fits into aperture 32 as shown in FIG. 1. Cover 10, with handlecover 24 matted with cover plate 26, then is attached to switch 12 bypassing screws (not shown) through apertures 36 of cover plate 26 andinto threaded apertures 18 in switch 12.

Cover 10 operates in conjunction with switch 12 in the following manner.Handle cover 24 loosely contains switch handle 16. Assuming switchhandle 16 and handle cover 24 are in the first or “on” position, onemerely depresses plane 16 b of handle cover 24 as one would do withswitch 16 if used by itself. This causes handle cover 24 and switchhandle 16 to move to the second or “off” position.

Cover 10 is advantageous, for example, in that it serves to enlargesomewhat the effective size of the switch handle, and in that it coversthe original switch and switch handle for cosmetic and other reasonswhile working in cooperation with the original switch and handle topreserve its operating characteristics and functionality. This canprovide substantial time and costs savings when replacing switchesthroughout an entire house or building.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cover is providedfor an electrical switch which, as with electrical switch 12, includes ayoke and a switch handle, preferably a toggle-type switch handle. Thecover according to this aspect of the invention comprises a handle coverassembly including a handle cover member sized and shaped tosubstantially conform to and fit over the switch handle, and a facemember in which the handle cover member is slidably disposed. The handlecover member includes a handle cover which forms a cavity for receivingthe switch handle. The cover further includes a cover plate having ahandle cover aperture for receiving the handle cover assembly.

A cover 110 according to a preferred embodiment of this aspect of theinvention is depicted in FIGS. 23-41. In this embodiment, the cover isideally suited for use in covering a commercially-known toggle switch,such as switch 112 as shown in FIG. 23. Switch 112 includes a yoke 114and a switch handle 116. Yoke mounting screw apertures 118 and 120 areprovided in the same manner as apertures 18 and 20 in the firstpreferred embodiment described above.

In accordance with this embodiment, cover 110 includes a handle coverassembly 124 and a cover plate 126. Various views of the handle coverassembly and its components are shown in FIGS. 25-33. Handle coverassembly 124 includes a handle cover member 150 and a face member 152.Handle cover assembly 124 serves essentially the same functions ashandle cover 24 of the first embodiment, for example, to cover theswitch handle while generally conforming to it in shape and size andwhile accommodating the movement of the switch handle, although thespecific manner in which this is done varies somewhat to accommodate thedifferences in design and operation of the toggle-type switch as opposedto the rocker-type switch. Accordingly, handle cover member 150 is sizedand shaped to substantially conform to and fit over switch handle 116.

As noted, handle cover assembly 124 in this embodiment includes twocomponents, i.e., a handle cover member 150 and a face member 152.Handle cover member 150 is slidably disposed within face member 152.

Handle cover member 150 includes a handle cover box 154 which forms acavity 156 for receiving switch handle 116. Handle cover member 150 alsoincludes a slide plate 158 which is integral with handle cover box. Theoutside of handle cover 154 measures about ⅝ inches long by ⅜ incheswide by ½ inches deep (to slide plate 158). Slide plate measures about 2inches long by ⅞ inches wide. Both the front surface 158 a and the backsurface 158 b of slide plate 158 are substantially flat.

Handle cover member 150 is disposed to movably mate with face member 152and slide along the longitudinal dimension L from the first position(FIG. 29) to the second position (FIG. 30).

Face member 152 includes a substantially rectangular face plane 160, asubstantially rectangular back plane 162, a peripheral flange 164, and ayoke extension 166. Face plane 160 comprises a substantially planarsurface which substantially mates with front surface 126 a of coverplate 126. Back plane 162 lies opposite face plane 160. Back planeincludes a pair of guides 168 with securing flanges which are coupled toand extend outwardly from guides 168. Peripheral flange 164 extendsaround the outside of face plane 160, and includes a ridge 172 formating with cover plate 126 as described in greater detail below. Atleast one post, in this embodiment two posts 174, are provided on andextending from back plane 162 for aligning cover 110 with electricalswitch 112. Yoke extension 166 extends longitudinally from peripheralflange 164 and includes a first pair of mounting screw apertures 176 forreceiving mounting screws for attaching handle cover assembly 150 toaperture 118 switch 112, and a second pair of mounting screw apertures118 are provided for securing cover plate 126 to handle cover assembly124 (see, e.g., FIG. 23).

Handle cover assembly overall measures approximately 4.125 incheslongitudinally and about 1.5 inches in width. Face member 152, and morespecifically elevated, substantially rectangular face plane 160,measures about 2⅝ inches long by 1¼ inches wide. Face plane 160 iselevated about ¼ inch above peripheral flange 164, which extends aroundface plane 160. Peripheral flange 164 extends outwardly in the lengthand width dimensions about ⅛ inch relative to the outer or peripheraledge 160 a of face plane 160. Yoke extension 166 extends outwardly inthe longitudinal dimension L from each end of peripheral flange about ¾inches.

Slide plate 158 of handle cover member 150 measures about 2 inches longby ⅞ inches wide. Guides 168 are parallel to one another and are spacedfrom one another slightly further than the width of slide plate 158 sothat slide plate 158 is secured by, but moves longitudinally within,guides 168 on back plane 162. Guides 168 thus slidably receive, retainand guide handle cover member 150, and more particularly the peripherallongitudinal edges 158 a and 158 b of slide plate 158.

Cover plate 126 includes a front surface 126 a which extends outwardlyfrom electrical switch 112. Front surface 126 a includes a substantiallyrectangular aperture 132 with a ridge 134 at its periphery. At least onemounting aperture, in this case two mounting screw apertures 136, extendthrough cover plate 126. In this preferred embodiment, front surface 126a is free of apertures other than handle cover aperture 132 and the atleast one mounting aperture, here apertures 136. In this embodiment,front surface 126 a of cover plate 126 in areas other than handle covermember aperture 132 and the at least one mounting aperture is continuousand has uniform topography. Preferably, cover plate 126 is a single,solid component except for handle cover aperture 132 and the at leastone mounting aperture, here apertures 136.

In this embodiment, handle cover aperture 132 is slightly larger thanthe length and width dimensions of face plane 160, and it is slightlyless in depth dimension relative to the depth dimension of peripheralflange 164, so that face plane 160 fits into and mates with aperture 132to form a snug fit, and to form a substantially smooth, uniform-texturedsurface including the outer or front surface 126 a of cover plate 126and face plane 160. Although there is a visible seam between cover plate126 and face plane 160 at aperture 132, this seam is not pronounced.Cover plate 126 and face plane 160 in this preferred embodiment thus aremated to create a substantially smooth and substantially continuoussurface, with the exception of seam at aperture 132.

A number of surface geometries are possible for cover plate 126 and faceplane 160. The back surface 126 b of cover plate preferably is roundedor curved, so it can easily cover and house the outer portion ofelectrical switch 112. The outer or front surface 126 a of cover plate126 may assume a number of different geometries. In accordance with thispreferred embodiment, outer surface 126 a preferably has rounded orcurved profiles at the peripheral edges, and is otherwise free of anysurface discontinuities, such as indentations, projections, and thelike.

Cover 110 may be installed on electrical switch 112 in the followingmanner. Any cover plate (not shown) originally on switch 112 is removedin known manner. Handle cover assembly 124 then is attached toelectrical switch 112 as shown in FIG. 23 by passing screws throughapertures 176 of handle cover assembly 124 and into apertures 118 ofswitch 112. Cover plate 126 then is attached to handle cover assembly124 by passing screws through apertures 136 of cover plate 126 and intothreaded apertures 118 in handle cover assembly.

Cover 110 operates in conjunction with switch 110 in the followingmanner. Handle cover box 154 loosely contains switch handle 116.Assuming switch handle 116 and handle cover box 154 are in the first or“on” position, one merely moves handle cover box 154 downwardly as onewould do with switch 116 if used by itself. This causes handle cover box154 and switch handle 116 to move downwardly to the second or “off”position by moving slide plate 158 downward longitudinally along guides168. Movement of slide plate 158 is stopped at the second or “off”position by the abutment of the longitudinal end of slide plate 158against the interior portion of peripheral flange 164 at thelongitudinal end of back plane 162.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cover is providedfor an electrical switch. The electrical switch includes a yoke and aswitch handle, as described above. In the preferred implementation, theswitch handle comprises a toggle-type device.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the cover comprises ahandle cover sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit overthe switch handle. The handle cover includes a handle cover cavity forreceiving the switch handle.

A cover 200 according to a presently preferred embodiment of this aspectof the invention is shown in FIG. 42. Cover 200 is shown and expanded orexploded view in FIG. 43. Cover 200 is adapted to cover a toggle-typeswitch, such as switch 112 having a switch handle 116. Cover 200includes a handle cover 202 sized and shaped to substantially conform toand fit over switch handle 116. Handle cover 202 includes a handle covercavity 204 into which switch handle 116 can be inserted. Handle covercavity 204 is formed by a handle cover box 205. Handle cover 202 on itsouter surface includes a slide surface 206 comprising two attached orintegrally formed, substantially parallel rails 206, and on its outer orback surface includes a slide surface 207 also comprising a pair ofsubstantially parallel rails 207.

Further in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the coverincludes a cover plate having a handle cover aperture for slidablyreceiving the handle cover. As implemented in the preferred embodiment,cover 200 includes a cover plate 208. Cover plate 208 includes a frontsurface 210 that extends outwardly from electrical switch 112. Frontsurface 210 includes at least one mounting aperture 212 (here there aretwo such apertures) for mounting cover plate 208 to electrical switch112, and a handle cover aperture 214. Front surface 210 is free ofapertures other than handle cover aperture 214 and mounting apertures212. In this illustrative but preferred embodiment, front surface 210 ofcover plate 208 in areas other than handle cover aperture 214 andmounting apertures 212 is continuous and has uniform topography.Moreover, cover plate 208 is a single, solid component except for handlecover aperture 214 and mounting apertures 212.

Cover plate 208 includes a back surface 216 opposite front surface 210.Back surface 216 includes a handle cover housing channel 217, which inturn includes a slide surface 218. A series of tabs 220 are provided atthe periphery of channel 217 and slide surface 218. When handle cover202 is mated with cover plate 208, as generally shown in FIGS. 42through 50, handle cover 202 resides in handle cover housing channel 217so that handle cover box 205 extends through handle cover aperture 214and is movable or slidable within it along longitudinal axis L. Slidesurface 206 of handle cover 202 contacts slide surface 218 of coverplate 208 in sliding relation along longitudinal axis L. Cover platetabs 220 loosely contact back peripheral edge 207 of handle cover 202 topermit handle cover 202 to slide longitudinally but while retaininghandle cover 202 in mating relation with cover plate 208 and in channel217 between stops 222.

Cover 200 may be installed on electrical switch 112 essentially in thesame manner as that described above for cover 110. In operation, cover200 would be attached to electrical switch 112 as generally shown inFIG. 43 in exploded view, and as in FIGS. 42 and 44 through 50 in fullyassembled form. As one moves handle cover box 205 between its upward anddownward longitudinal positions, switch handle 116 of electrical switch112 is correspondingly moved or toggled between its upward and downwardlongitudinal positions to activate and deactivate the switch.

The illustrative design of cover 200 provides the same advantages ascover 110, as noted above. Cover 200 affords an additional potentialadvantage in that it comprises fewer parts than cover 110, and thereforemay be manufactured and used more cost effectively.

The design of cover plate 208 is not necessarily limiting, and othercover plate designs are possible. For example, a cover plate 230includes a front surface 232, mounting apertures 234, and a handle coveraperture 236. Other than handle cover aperture 236 and mountingapertures 234, front surface 232 of cover plate 230 is continuous andhas uniform topography. Cover plate 230 comprises a single, solidcomponent except for these apertures. Cover plate 230 is adapted to beused with handle cover 202, as shown in FIGS. 51 through 56.Accordingly, handle cover aperture 236 is sized and configured toreceive handle cover box 205. Cover plate 230 has a back surface 238that includes a handle cover housing channel 240, a slide surface 242,tabs 244, and end stops 246, as described above with respect to channel217, sliding surface 218, tabs 220 and end stops 222, respectively. Themanner of installation and operation of cover plate 230 is essentiallyidentical to cover 200.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. For example, the absolute and/or relative dimensionsof the embodiments provided above may be different from those disclosedherein, depending upon the intended application. Therefore, theinvention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown anddescribed. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept asdescribed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for an electrical switch, the electricalswitch including a yoke and a switch handle, the cover comprising: ahandle cover sized and shaped to fit over the switch handle and therebysubstantially conform thereto, the handle cover including a handle covercavity for receiving the switch handle and rails on opposing sides ofthe handle cover; and a cover plate having a handle cover aperture forslidably receiving the handle cover; wherein, when assembled, the railsof the handle cover are slidably disposed between and in contact withboth the cover plate and the electrical switch.
 2. A cover as recited inclaim 1, wherein the handle cover includes a slide surface fixedlycoupled to the handle cover.
 3. A cover as recited in claim 1, wherein:the cover plate includes a front surface which extends outwardly fromthe electrical switch; the front surface includes at least one mountingaperture; and the front surface is free of apertures other than thehandle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture.
 4. A coveras recited in claim 3, wherein: the front surface of the cover plate inareas other than the handle cover aperture and the at least one mountingaperture is continuous and has uniform topography; and the cover plateis a single, solid component except for the handle cover aperture andthe at least one mounting aperture.
 5. A cover for an electrical switch,the electrical switch including a yoke and a switch handle, the covercomprising: a handle cover sized and shaped to fit over the switchhandle, the handle cover including rails on opposing sides of the handlecover and a handle cover cavity for receiving the switch handle; and acover plate having a handle cover aperture for slidably receiving thehandle cover and at least two opposing tabs spaced from the handle coveraperture and slidably engaging the rails of the handle cover.
 6. A coveras recited in claim 5, wherein: the cover plate includes a front surfacewhich extends outwardly from the electrical switch; the front surfaceincludes at least one mounting aperture; and the front surface is freeof apertures other than the handle cover aperture and the at least onemounting aperture.
 7. A cover as recited in claim 6, wherein: the frontsurface of the cover plate in areas other than the handle cover apertureand the at least one mounting aperture is continuous and has uniformtopography; and the cover plate is a single, solid component except forthe handle cover aperture and the at least one mounting aperture.